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As you click on different areas of the map, you will be taken to tarot exercises, practices, methods, and life-changing opportunities to use your tarot in daily life.

These are provided by artwork, animations (from leading tarot artist Ciro Marchetti), video clips and written materials unique to the site and created by best-selling and award-winning authors Marcus Katz & Tali Goodwin.

The site is designed for both absolute beginners to Tarot and experienced readers; professional readers; designers and artists; every participant can chose their own route and experience of this immersive site.

As a backer, you will receive full access to the Arkartia site, which your pledge will allow us to create.

It will be like having a huge range of tarot classes and courses at your fingertips, but delivered to you in response to your own choices and decisions.

There is also a great social element (which is optional, but fun) when you share your adventures with other wayfarers in linked Facebook groups.

You will save 35% (3 months) or 50% (one year) on the subscription rate of the live site with your chosen pledge.

Free Course worth $300 to All Backers!

To celebrate the target goal having been reached, ALL backers from the Arcana Fellowship Pledge upwards will receive a $300 Cartomancy Video Course for FREE.

The 4 x 90-minute video classes are; Tarot Reading by Stages; Lenormand Traditional Reading; Modern Tarot Methods for the Top Ten Questions; and Tarot Magick through the Ages.

1. Tarot Reading by Stages: Early playing card reading methods and playing card meanings + the fan method + good cards and bad cards + 1930's-1950's womens magazines methods + how your grandmother learnt playing cards and tarot + reading for men and women + making stories from symbols and applying them to life.

OUTCOME: By the end of this 90-minutes video class you will be able to understand the methods and meanings of playing cards, and how they were popular in women's magazines, with fun methods for parties and social gatherings with friends.

OUTCOME: By the end of this 90-minute video class, you will be able to appreciate the whole history of Lenormand cards and see how they are a blend of the most ancient dream symbolism and european christian symbolism. You will be able to approach a 36-card reading with confidence.

3. Modern Tarot Methods for the Top Ten Questions: You will see 86,000 questions asked of tarot readers over 8 years and select the top ten questions always asked + a unique method for reading for each of the ten questions. We will review card meanings and our method of pin-pointing and bridging between symbols to weave powerful and confident readings.

OUTCOME: By the end of this 90-minute video class, you will be able to read tarot cards for the majority of questions asked of real tarot card readers. You will also have a range of methods to ensure your readings are fluid, confident and assured.

4. Tarot Magick through the Ages: Using often unpublished material from the magical Order of the Golden Dawn and the diaries of magicians and mystics, we will trace ways of using tarot to view the universe and your life through Kabbalah and Alchemy. You will see how correspondences work to deepen your experience of the world and see magic in everyday situations. We will also work a little magic to give you methods of generating your own personal mystic insights into life.

OUTCOME: By the end of this 90-minute video class, you will be able to create your own mystical writings based on tarot and your own life. You will be able to use correspondences to empower your tarot readings and deepen their significance for yourself or clients. You will be able to read magical writings with a new understanding of their significance.

COURSE OUTCOME: By the completion of these four classes, you will understand the deep thread that runs through tarot from the very first meanings applied to playing cards to the writings of obscure mystics and magicians. You will see how tarot can be used in everyday readings or for profound insight. It is our intention that you will leave the course with confidence in your understanding of tarot history in a practical way, and excited to explore the spaces between the material and times we have covered together.

The course is being created for our Tarot Time Traveller book (Llewellyn Worldwide, November 2017) priced at $75/class but all backers will receive it for FREE in August 2017.

TRY OUT A GATED SPREAD VIDEO SERIES

Check out the Sandbox (test) page on www.arkartia.net for the 'Labyrinth of Torfeld' Tarot video series in which you will experience a whole new way of learning tarot in an immersive and interactive way.

Features of the Site

1. The site features a map of the world of Arkartia, based on the twelve realms of the zodiac. A road, the Arcana Way, runs through these realms and has 22 stations upon it, corresponding to the Tarot Major Arcana.

Arkartia and Tarot Town Draft Maps by Ciro Marchetti

There are 32 other locations on the map, some of which will only be available at certain times of the year, subject to other conditions, or based on a subscriber's progress through other locations.

These become initiatory journeys in your real life as you make changes according to 'Gated Spread' experiences associated with each location - or other experiences that will be surprises!

2. The locations link to a variety of media, including a series of automated messages which will take you on an experiential journey of tarot learning called a “Gated Spread”, lasting anywhere between an hour, a few days or a week.

You can share your experiences of these Gated Spreads in linked Facebook groups.

Other locations include special methods, secret stories which teach divination, video clips, clues to greater mysteries and much more.

Many of the locations are richly illustrated by Ciro Marchetti, providing an immersive experience as you discover more in the world of Arkartia and the Tarot. Several are animated illustrations, which bring the world of Arkartia to life.

3. The world map also contains a location for Tarot Town. This opens a new map with more detail of that location and further clickable locations.

These include the Tarot Theatre which links to exclusive video classes, methods and ideas to take your tarot to new levels.

There will also be a location linking to special tarot deck reviews, and a Town Crier location for delivering tarot news from the publishers - exclusively giving sneak peeks to subscribers.

4. Specific decks and releases will be shared across the whole site during scheduled festivals and celebrations.

5. Subscribers will be allocated a realm based on your date of birth and astrological profile, and you will receive special astrological and tarot material on your birthday.

6. A range of other services and functionality will be offered, including links to subscriber blogs, competitions, and one-off events.
Much of this material is already written and will be available on the site launch.

Backers will receive updates as these experiences are created ahead of launch.

7. Authors and designers will be encouraged to link to Arkartia their decks and books through the use of the Rose Key symbol and other references, providing a “treasure hunt” to collect all references.

Further planned upgrades and extensions following site launch will include a Lenormand area, a special online museum for tarot, a section for "cards of antiquity" and other modules.

8. The site will also include an exclusive online tarot reading system featuring the Tarot Decoratif by Ciro Marchetti and unique spreads and interpretations by Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin.

3 Card Demo with exclusive linking text interpretations

The reading system will also be available for Wayfarers who wish to experience Gated Spreads but do not have access to a physical tarot deck.

How Was The Back Story Created?

The foundation of this experience has been constructed and tested over six years and it is only now that the technology exists to fully manifest the vision.

We feel that tarot is ready for something new and exciting, now that many people are using social media and mobile devices as a regular part of daily life.

Read the full magical history of the discovery of Arkartia and a little act of magic in the Tarot Wayfarer site which gives a mystical and creative back-story to Arkartia, created over six years.

In the video below, you will see our inspiration for a map built from tarot was directly from research into the life and work of Pamela Colman Smith, who co-created the world's most popular tarot deck in 1909.

Pause the pages at your own pace and take a moment to read the incredible secret - the tarot is a map of one world - and then watch our animation which fits the cards back together in Pamela's own map.

Who are the Creators of Arkartia?

Well, technically, all of us - you, the backers!

However, the design and extensive original content is written by leading tarot authors Tali Goodwin & Marcus Katz and features extensive new artwork and animation throughout the project by innovative artist, Ciro Marchetti.

Who is Supporting this Project?

The whole project provides a new platform for tarot, divination and oracular seer-ship. It is infinitely expandable with additional modules, content and rich experience planned for the future, evolving the site over time.

We have held face-to-face meetings with the major tarot publishers, including Lo Scaraebo (our partners), Llewellyn (our publishers) and US Games Systems, Inc. over the previous two years and presented the project to them; in return they have all pledged their full support.

"... the project looks truly amazing. And massive. I can see why it took six years to build it, I must say I am impressed by the amount of work and love you put in this project"
- Andrea Chiarvesio, Lo Scarabeo.

"... a VERY exciting project!"
- Lynn Araujo Director of Communications U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

"I firmly believe this has the potential to be a distinct departure from any other on line tarot community based entity. It will take things to a significant next level and provide a unique overall tarot experience"
- Ciro Marchetti, multiple Award Winning Artist & Tarot Designer.

"An immediate YES!"
- Bill Krause, Publisher, Llewellyn Worldwide.

Backers and Subscribers will learn, develop and enjoy tarot in new ways – for themselves and in the company of other Wayfarers. Along the way, there will always be the fun of the many mysteries and journeys which await further discovery.

Arkartia Creation Costs

We have significantly reduced the costs of creating Arkartia by splitting the original project into two phases; the website in 2017 and the App in 2018.

We have further reduced the cost of the website phase of project, without reducing any functionality, by bringing the site design in-house and using our existing systems rather than third-party custom-built dashboards and management systems.

In-House Website Creation Costing

Ciro Marchetti has further arranged to re-schedule his own workload in order to devote additional time and content to the project, in his support of the vision.

We also have to cover 10% of the total raised which will go to Kickstarter from us. If a project is successfully funded, Kickstarter applies a 5% fee to the funds collected for creators. Their payments processor will also apply payment processing fees (roughly 3-5%) to our total.

The site will be offered as a subscription site on launch at a subscription rate of $12.50/month (approx. £9.95/month).

What Will it Cost to Pledge?

We are offering backers a full one-year subscription for a base-level pledge level of £49 (approx. $64), with additional one-time backer bonuses, which will be 50% LESS than a full annual subscription when the site is live.

There are many other levels of pledge which give status across the world of Arkartia. You can also take a three-month pledge which saves you 35% of the monthly subscription AND includes ALL stretch goals!

Their nature is detailed in the rewards column to the right of this page and several are time-limited or limited to numbers of backers in the campaign.

Choose wisely!

As with all Kickstarter campaigns, your pledge will not be taken unless the campaign reaches or exceeds its goal, and that will be on June 1st or within a day or so thereafter.

Royal Status

Royal status allows backers to choose a pledge which will give them the ability to shape the world of Arkartia through their communications across the site and to all Wayfarers.

Royal Pledges Available in Arkartia

This will be both by email and messages to subscribers, keeping the World of Arkartia a thriving and bustling place of creativity.

We will work with the "Royal" backers to schedule these communications and to shape the world in terms of future upgrades and developments such as online events and conferences.

All backers will receive (irrespective of the success of the campaign) a FREE exclusive animated screensaver of original artwork by Ciro Marchetti, including scenes not yet revealed of Arkartia, accompanied by evocative floating text by Marcus Katz & Tali Goodwin describing this magical world of Tarot.

A sample of artwork already completed can be viewed in this lo-res sample video (for demo only), and the screensaver will be for MAC, PC, etc.

Stretch Goals

We have a range of stretch goals which will allow us to add more material to the site.

We also have two surprise Gated Spreads already created by leading Tarot authors & teachers.

The Book of the Masque - UNLOCKED & INCLUDED FOR ALL

It is said in Arkartia that we are what we do and we become that by which we surround ourselves. In this booklet, exclusive to all backers of Arkartia, you will discover instructions for uncovering your masks through the court cards. The booklet will take you through several stages of graduated self-discovery, either by yourself or in the company of others, using tarot to demonstrate how your outer life reflects the inner masks you wear.

Love Letters from Arkartia - UNLOCKED & INCLUDED FOR ALL

In this unique series of emailed journal entries, you will take part in a self-discovery of all your relationships to others through the tarot and the locations of Arkartia, their regents and realms, their courts and courtiers. You will be encouraged to share your own journal entries as we build a series of love letters between the parts of ourselves, bringing them back into a true inner relationship.

Steampunk it Up - UNLOCKED & INCLUDED FOR ALL

A surprise Gated Spread based on Steampunk principles, created by a leading author and designer of decks, to be found in one of the twelve realms of Arkartia on launch day. You may be surprised by the journey you take into this realm and your own life.

Illuminati in Arkartia - UNLOCKED & INCLUDED FOR ALL

A surprise Gated Spread based on the secrets of the Illuminati, created by a leading author and designer of decks, to be found in one of the twelve realms of Arkartia on launch day. This one is a real secret, as befits the Illuminati.

Tarot Toy Theatre - UNLOCKED & INCLUDED FOR ALL

A unique series of animations teaching tarot reading in an immersive manner, the Tarot Toy Theatre honours Pamela Colman Smith’s background in the theatre. The Theatre will provide ways of learning tarot simply by watching the scenes unfold. Let us do the hard work – sit back and enjoy!

ALL Backers and the whole of Arkartia will have access to the Tarot Town Toy Theatre, a creative way of learning Tarot with animations based on Pamela Colman Smith's use of "cardboard" or "juvenile" theatre design in the tarot.

Cast A Way - UNLOCKED & INCLUDED FOR ALL

The twelve rivers of Arkartia run to the seas from the central mountains where they spring unceasingly from the vast Well of Time. As they run and return, they shape time itself in the twelve realms.

If we reach the next goal we will unlock “Cast A Way”, an experience delivered to all Arkartians through email and in private Facebook groups, where you will go on an epic adventure up-river.

You will start in your birth-realm, depending on your zodiacal sun-sign, and be taken through three stages of self-discovery using your tarot deck and astrology.

During this experience, which can be explored at your own pace, by yourself or in the company of fellow Arkartians, you will be encouraged to cast away old baggage that no longer serves you in life as you approach the centre of your own time.

SABIAN ORACLE FOUNTAIN - £22,000

If we reach the magical Arcana number of £22,000 on our final day, we will be able to work on moving the Sabian Oracle Fountain from its present location and onto the ARKARTIA site.

This feature will allow all Wayfarers to receive an instant oracle for any question or situation, at the click of a button, through a timeless and profound oracular system and practical interpretations by leading Astrologer Lyn Birkbeck.

ADD ONS

When you complete your pledge at the close of the successful campaign, you will be given the optional choice of two Add-Ons.

These options will appear on all backers check-out confirmation if the campaign is successful in meeting its goal and when your pledge is being processed, i.e. following June 1st.

1. Arkartia Print Map with Augmented Reality

Exclusive SIGNED print poster of Arkartia with A.R. Features.

Ciro Marchetti will personally sign a print poster of Arkartia and Tarot Town which will only be available to Wayfarers.

This map will be mailed to you and will have exclusive Augmented Reality components for your smart device/smart phone, featuring graphics, animation and special content teaching you tarot in an immersive story-telling style.

The map will be made available to future Wayfarers after the site launch at $35 + p&p but Kickstarter Backers can claim their map for only $15 + FREE postage (USA) and $15 + $10 postage (Global).

Figures will be given in GBP pound sterling on final checkout of your pledge at the conclusion of a successful campaign.

2. Tarot Town Figures

Choose 1-3 Figures from the Tarot Town figure range.

Our exclusive Tarot Town Figures are planned to integrate into the Arkartia site and Tarot Wayfarer App in a future upgrade. If you have not already started to collect these figures, you will be given an exclusive offer on pledge completion of $14.99 per figure + p&p.

We thank you for considering this innovative and ambitious project and look forward to working with on the creation of Arkartia.

Risks and challenges

We have backed 36 successful Kickstarter projects in tarot and gaming over the last 6 years and 3 projects which did not achieve funding.

There are two phases to the overall Tarot Wayfarer project, both of which carry the implicit risk of any new technology; it might fail to meet expected functionality or the schedule for delivery might change.

To this end we have spent the year prior to this campaign in discussion with a selection of industry-recommended design companies.

We have tweaked our original campaign to build the website first, to be followed at a later date by the more complex App.

Marcus also has an extensive I.T. support background and management experience of c. £1million I.T. projects in the private and public sectors, and this has reduced risks of proposing an entirely unrealistic functionality to the site,

In working with third parties, we have honed the final deliverable (both site and App) to a realistic version of our original vision, and one that can be delivered in a reasonable schedule, i.e. by year-end 2017.

We have now tested the basic components of the site on our own systems and are confident we can offer all functionality - and more - without the higher costs of bespoke systems, and their subsequent maintenance and upgrading.

We have also taken out some of the more "ambitious" or "visionary" components of the Wayfarer for a later upgrade or, more likely, a later and smaller Kickstarter - should the main platform be successful.

Should the delivery schedule slip or the functionality of the site change in any significant manner, we will keep Wayfarers (backers) informed.

We are well-known for our accessibility on social media and will regularly update on progress.

Many Kickstarter projects are not a "pre-order", but rather a proposal or a plan - a vision seeking investment from backers. Only 1.2% of the projects we have personally backed over the years have failed in some way, and in each case we have identified the issues and mitigated them in our own project.

We have been cautious in our timing, waiting over six years since the original concept was devised for the technology to be accessible, affordable and stable.

Much of the original design (the Gated Spreads, etc.) has already been extensively tested over the last few years and the new artwork and animations have been in progress for over six months.

The main risk will be putting together the functionality of the site and producing a large amount of original content. We have a track record of creating innovative material and have much pre-planning and scheduled time to work on Arkartia.

As this project requires no delivery nor physical production, we have no risks from packaging or logistics, nor having to co-ordinate with multiple partners for these purposes.

We will endeavour - with your support - to do our best in creating a wonderful new platform for us all to share our love of tarot and divination.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £77 or more
About $100

Pioneer

Take Your Place in a one-off Kickstarter Exclusive, giving you all Wayfarer rewards with the addition of a fixed location in Arkartia designed for you and accessible by all Wayfarers. Your location may offer services such as tarot reading for passers-by.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £158 or more
About $205

Page of the Realms

For those seeking royal status in Arkartia. All Backer Rewards & Stretch Goals with the addition of "Court Circulars". This gives you an opportunity to regularly communicate with those born in your realm or passing through at that time. You can communicate teachings, insight, and your site and services.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £194 or more
About $252

Knight of the Realms

For those seeking royal status in Arkartia. All Backer Rewards & Stretch Goals with the addition of "Royal Dispatches". This gives you an opportunity to regularly communicate with those born in ALL realms. You can communicate teachings, insight, and your site and services.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £225 or more
About $292

Queen of the Realms

For those seeking royal status in Arkartia. All Backer Rewards & Stretch Goals with the addition of "Royal Missives". This gives you an opportunity to regularly communicate with all Wayfarers in all realms. You can communicate teachings, insight, and your site and services.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £225 or more
About $292

King of the Realms

For those seeking royal status in Arkartia. All Backer Rewards & Stretch Goals with the addition of "Royal Missives". This gives you an opportunity to regularly communicate with all Wayfarers in all realms. You can communicate teachings, insight, and your site and services.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £1,350 or more
About $1,752

Sovereign Status

For publishers and others who wish to rule one of the twelve realms. This status is limited to 12 backers and provides all backer rewards and stretch goals with the addition of privileges set within each realm. These include creative promotions to all those passing through your realm.